Most important forms no troop likes to think about

  • Published
  • By Luke Waack
  • JBER PAO
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  There are certain things every Soldier should know about benefits available to loved ones or designated beneficiaries in the event of their death or serious injury, according to Alaska Casualty Assistance Center officials.

The center, located in the basement of Building 55, 4th St., provides support to families of Soldiers who die or are wounded, in combat, training or their personal time.

The ACAC provides support in Alaska for active-duty Army casualties and retired veterans.

The center provides Survivor Outreach Services, benefits coordinators, financial counselors and support coordinators.

Many issues can surface after a traumatic event, and casualty assistance is there to help beneficiaries months and even years later.

The first step to ensuring family members and beneficiaries receive benefits is filling out the right paperwork.

"They need to properly fill out a DD 93 form," said Vidella Jenkins, ACAC training
instructor.

Without a proper DD Form 93, or Record of Emergency Data, families can lose benefits.
"We call it the Soldier's voice," Jenkins said.

Maintenance of the DD 93 should be done every time there's a change in the family - new birth, marriage, divorce - anything that could change the way a Soldier wants his or her benefits to be paid out, Jenkins said.

Also on the DD 93, Soldiers can designate beneficiaries of a $100,000 death gratuity, typically paid within 24-72 hours of a Soldier's death to up to 10 beneficiaries in increments of 10 percent, officials said.

Everybody needs to know how important a document that is, officials said.

Once the DD 93 is filled out, it goes into the personnel system, Jenkins said. If a Soldier becomes a casualty, the Soldier's unit would contact casualty assistance for the most recent emergency data including next of kin notification.

The next important form is the SGLV 8285 or Service member's Group Life Insurance. SGLI is a Department of Veterans Affairs program, which provides troops with up to $400,000 of life insurance and SGLI now includes Traumatic Injury Protection.

Soldiers should make sure their intent is reflected on their level of SGLI coverage, Jenkins said.

Then there is the line of duty report. If a Soldier is killed or injured in the line of duty, a report detailing the circumstances can ensure the Soldier or his beneficiaries receive the proper benefits, Jenkins said.

These forms and reports provide information to the Army and give direction in assisting families and beneficiaries, Jenkins said. In the case of the Line of Duty report, it's accurate and timely completion is very important.

The DD 93 and SGLV 8285 - filled out properly and updated as soon as there is a change in family or relationship status - are the Soldier's voice in the event of his or her death or injury, Jenkins said.

For more information on paperwork or casualty assistance, contact the ACAC at 384-3811 or visit MyArmyOneSource.com.